Cebu among Phl’s e-ready cities

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City placed sixth among 10 local government units recognized for their “e-readiness” based on the results of a survey fielded jointly by three government agencies among 143 cities nationwide.

In a report from the Official Gazette, Cebu City outscored the cities of Balanga (7th), Angeles (8th), Batangas (9th) and Taguig (10th) and trailed behind the cities of Cagayan de Oro (1st), San Fernando in Pampanga (2nd), Makati (3rd), Valenzuela (4th) and Mandaluyong (5th).

The survey shows how prepared the local government unit is in implementing information and communication technology projects and participating in major ICT initiatives, such as the e-Government and Smarter Cities, among others, that aim to explore potentials in the strategic use of ICT.

“E-readiness means that these LGUs are ready for e-Government. True e-Government will not only foster an efficient, transparent and effective government that our citizens need, it will also give the Philippines a competitive edge in the global market place, creating an investment environment that can help drive local and foreign investment in the country,” said Bettina Quimson of DOST- ICT Office.

According to the report, among the major indicators used to assess the LGU’s e-readiness are ICT capability, technology environment and web presence maturity. Sub-indicators include presence of an ICT development plan, internet connectivity, and presence of an ICT/management information system unit.

Officials have noted that maximizing ICT in the government can translate to more productivity.

Cagayan de Oro, for example, experienced a hike in revenue collection for the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year as a result of a streamlined BPLS. The city also boasts of its “Hassle Free Payments,” featuring the tax payer friendly, time saving billing and queuing kiosks located at the finance office of its City Hall.

The e-readiness survey is a joint collaborative project of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry  and is backed by the US-AID INVEST Project.

DOST-ICT carried out the assessment on cities and municipalities, which participated in the 2014 BPLS Compliance and Readiness Survey.

At the awarding rites, city mayors were recognized for “pioneering the adoption and use of ICT to enhance their delivery of government services, improve revenue or tax collection efforts and promote transparency in government operations.”  (FREEMAN)